OTTAWA (CU)_Canada’s Immigratio Minister Marco Mendicino says that the contract with a company owned by the Beijing police, regarding visa processing services, adequately protects personal information of those who are applying for visas to Canada. He insists that the government is conducting regular audits and security screening of all the employees of the Chinese firm, and is therefore closely monitoring the company.
“We are eyes wide open on this issue and we will continue to manage these risks going forward,” Mendicino said.
Since 2008, Ottawa has contracted with the Beijing Shuangxiong Foreign Service Company – run by the Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau – to provide visa processing services for those seeking to visit Canada.
During a House of Commons immigration committee meeting on Wednesday (10 March), Conservative MP Jasraj Singh Hallan exclaimed that simply screening staff is not sufficient for a country like China, and inquired if the government has even considered the significant risk of espionage.
“The Chinese Communist Party develops a fake identity with an attempt to infiltrate our overseas visa office, via espionage and collect visa applications and then runs them through the hiring process for the subcontractor. How would we even know about it?” Hallan inquired. “Even one Chinese spy could destroy the entire functioning of the office and cause a significant security threat.”
Several other ministers also voiced their concerns, with senior NDP member Jenny Kwan asking why the government can’t see the problem. She noted that the entire structure seems repugnant, adding that this is “a huge conflict of interest” for the safety of the applicants.
During the meeting, Mendicino also responded to questions raised by ministers regarding the situation in Hong Kong, with China expected to further tighten its grip on the people of the former British colony, further restricting the area’s independence by changing the electoral system.
When inquired if Ottawa would do more to ensure people could leave Hong Kong, Mendicino noted that the government continues to work with allies to monitor the situation.
“At this difficult moment, Canada stands shoulder to shoulder with the people of Hong Kong and shares the grave concerns of the international community,” he said.
He added that anyone who claims asylum in Canada after having participated in the peaceful protests in Hong Kong will not be prevented from entering the country.
